Invented in the 1950s, the brightly colored wood carvings are a recent addition to folk arts are among the best-selling Mexican folk art in the world. Alebrijes are monster-type figures that were developed in the style of popular paper mache figures. In the towns of San Martin Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola, the figures are carved from the twisted branches of the copal tree. The wood has a particular fragrance and its resin has been burned in ceremonial incense burners for thousands of years.
Today's designs range from rustic to ornate, and the prices vary depending on the amount of work that goes into fashioning the piece.
Tip: Look for the name of the artisan on the artwork.
In Oaxaca City
Artesanias Teresita, Murguia #100-B. Victor Vazquez manages a store that specializes in wooden figures. Featured artesanos include Ariel Playas and Silvia Castro. Wiki
Jarcieria El Arte Oaxaqueño, Mina #317 at the corner of J.P. Garcia; 516-1581. FlickrWiki. Alebrijes are rarely in stock, but it's always a good reason to talk with Don Nicodemus.
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Background
Invented in the 1950s, the brightly colored wood carvings are a recent addition to folk arts are among the best-selling Mexican folk art in the world. Alebrijes are monster-type figures that were developed in the style of popular paper mache figures. In the towns of San Martin Tilcajete and San Antonio Arrazola, the figures are carved from the twisted branches of the copal tree. The wood has a particular fragrance and its resin has been burned in ceremonial incense burners for thousands of years.Today's designs range from rustic to ornate, and the prices vary depending on the amount of work that goes into fashioning the piece.
Tip: Look for the name of the artisan on the artwork.
In Oaxaca City
Artesanias Teresita, Murguia #100-B. Victor Vazquez manages a store that specializes in wooden figures. Featured artesanos include Ariel Playas and Silvia Castro. WikiJarcieria El Arte Oaxaqueño, Mina #317 at the corner of J.P. Garcia; 516-1581. Flickr Wiki. Alebrijes are rarely in stock, but it's always a good reason to talk with Don Nicodemus.
Wiki
artesanosfolk art
arboles
Flickr
AlebrijesAlebrijes Jimenez
Wikipedia
AlebrijeAlebrije Buzzword Bingo
Alebrije - A Mano (Handmade) - Cuchillo (Knife) - Figura (Figure) - Forma (Form) - Madera (Wood) - Pintura (Paint)Alebrije Buzzword Bingo: Animals
Girafas - GiraffesGallos - Roosters
Conversation Starters
You can ask the vendors the following questions:Who carved the alebrije?
Who painted the alebrije?
What wood is this?
How did you learn to make alebrijes?
Headlines
http://www.noticiasnet.mx/portal/oaxaca/general/144114-crisis-feria-alebrijes
Recommended dead tree reading
In Crafting Tradition, author Michael Chibnik discusses the effects on local communities off producing goods for the global market.